Background:  

Founded in 1967 as part of the NHL’s original expansion, the Pittsburgh Penguins have emerged as one of the most prestigious and successful franchises in sports history. With six Stanley Cup Final appearances and five championship victories—including back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017—the Penguins have consistently set the standard for excellence. As the first team to secure consecutive championships in the salary cap era, they have established themselves as innovators, crafting a winning formula that thrives under pressure.  

Since 1999, the Penguins have won three Stanley Cup victories, establishing the Penguins as a premier sports organization on the global stage. In addition to their on-ice accomplishments, PPG Paints Arena—opened in 2010—embodies the Penguins' commitment to excellence both on and off the ice. Recognizing the importance of a state-of-the-art facility to enhance the fan experience and foster a strong home-ice advantage, the ownership group invested significantly in creating a world-class venue that resonates with the community and showcases the team's identity. Offering breathtaking views of Pittsburgh’s iconic skyline and providing one of the most electrifying home-ice advantages in the NHL, each game at the arena is a vibrant celebration of the city’s relentless spirit, grit, and passion. This commitment to the community extends beyond the atmosphere of the game; the Penguins organization has long been recognized for its generous contributions to the surrounding areas, fully appreciating the significance of its fans and their collective role in the region's development. This golden era has instilled a culture of resilience and excellence—values that remain integral to the organization’s identity today. 

In 2021, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) made headlines with its acquisition of a controlling stake in the Pittsburgh Penguins, setting a new record for NHL franchise valuations. This historic transaction added the Penguins to FSG's distinguished portfolio, which also includes the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club (UK). With a proven track record of cultivating championship-caliber teams like the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC, FSG brings fresh energy and a global perspective to the franchise.  

Looking ahead, the Penguins under FSG are poised to be exceptionally dynamic, driven by innovation, an unwavering passion for the game, and a deep commitment to both the local community and a rapidly growing global fanbase. This transition marks a significant leap forward, positioning the team for sustained excellence. With a storied winning tradition and a bold vision for the future, the Penguins are well-equipped to ascend to even greater heights, further cementing their status as a premier franchise in the sports world. Their vision is clear and ambitious: to be the best organization in sports, respected for a culture of excellence that thrives both on and off the ice. 

This commitment to excellence embodies the essence of Pittsburgh, a city transformed into a premier destination for living, working, and raising a family. Pittsburgh is a city where innovation meets tradition, making it an ideal destination for those seeking new opportunities. Known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene, Pittsburgh boasts a unique blend of history and modernity.  Nestled at the confluence of three rivers, Pittsburgh features diverse neighborhoods, stunning architecture, and a thriving arts scene, all contributing to an exceptional quality of life. With 15,000 acres of public parks and green spaces, including bike paths along 400 miles of trails, residents enjoy ample recreational opportunities. The city also boasts over 32 museums, 30 concert venues, and 19 public libraries, fostering a strong sense of community. 

Pittsburgh is not just a place to work; it's a community where you can grow and thrive. The city is home to a burgeoning tech scene, renowned educational institutions, and a commitment to innovation, making it an ideal environment for career development. With its affordable cost of living and welcoming atmosphere, Pittsburgh is a place where you can build a fulfilling life and create lasting memories with your family. 

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.  

Contacting Pittsburgh Penguins will only delay consideration of your qualifications.  

Position Summary:  

The Pittsburgh Penguins seek a dynamic and experienced leader to step into the pivotal role of Vice President of People and Culture, responsible for developing the organization’s people and culture strategy and creating a best-in-class human resources infrastructure that will provide high levels of service delivery. This strategic position is essential in shaping and executing the Penguins’ people strategy, ensuring it aligns with the organization's mission and values while fostering a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture. The Vice President will collaborate closely with executive leadership to create a positive organizational environment that empowers talent development and drives high performance across all levels. 

The Vice President will spearhead a diverse range of HR functions to modernize and strengthen the company’s people operations, focusing on strategic vision and operational excellence. Responsibilities will include implementing best practices in talent acquisition, performance management, training, and succession planning to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent. A key priority will be establishing metrics and KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of HR programs and initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with organizational goals. The Vice President will also enhance the overall employee experience by prioritizing engagement, growth, and retention while championing a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. This role will drive initiatives that foster a strong sense of belonging and community among all employees. 

The ideal candidate will bring extensive HR experience in dynamic environments, a passion for sports, and the ability to thrive in a culture of change. They will demonstrate exceptional coaching skills and emotional intelligence, equipping them to navigate and resolve complex issues effectively. 

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Craft and execute a holistic People and Culture strategy that seamlessly aligns with the organization's overarching goals and core values, driving employee engagement, enhancing organizational performance, and cultivating a vibrant workplace culture. 

• Collaborate with executive leadership in establishing people initiatives to effectively support business objectives and drive high organizational performance across all levels. 

• Spearhead comprehensive recruitment strategies and activities by working closely with departmental leaders to determine optimal staffing levels. This includes conducting proactive outreach through job fairs, managing targeted job postings across relevant platforms, and leveraging innovative recruitment methods to attract top talent. 

• Create and implement tailored strategies based on employee feedback to cultivate a positive and productive work environment that enhances overall satisfaction and improves retention rates. 

• Establish comprehensive guidance for managers in navigating employee relations issues, including conducting performance evaluations, facilitating disciplinary actions, and resolving conflicts while offering actionable recommendations for resolution. 

• Identify, develop, and oversee training programs that enhance leadership capabilities and align with the evolving needs of the business, ensuring ongoing professional growth for employees. 

• Champion a diverse and inclusive workplace culture by fostering continuous DEB training and initiatives that promote a strong sense of belonging and community among all employees. 

• Develop and establish performance-based compensation structures, including key performance indicators (KPIs), bonus plans, and equity incentives to attract and retain top talent in the industry. 

• Design and administer comprehensive employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, ensuring they meet both employee and organizational needs. 

• Design and execute employee engagement surveys to collect valuable feedback, implementing strategies that lead to meaningful enhancements in work culture. 

• Create and implement updated internal policies to ensure compliance with legal standards, promoting organizational best practices and adherence to guidelines. 

• Establish detailed statistical reporting to inform leadership on HR metrics and performance, offering measured recommendations for continuous enhancements. 

• Mitigate and establish resolutions for complex HR challenges that arise. Advise senior leadership with actionable items to mitigate issues and concerns always to protect the company. 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing innovative measures for performance evaluations and employee engagement initiatives. 

• Oversee HR software system updates, ensuring the organization’s HR technologies are efficient, effective, and aligned with future needs.  

Qualifications, Skills, and Education Requirements:  

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Human Resources management, serving as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to senior executives and staff. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or a related field, with a solid understanding of interviewing processes, benefits administration, payroll, and other HR functions. 

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities, including strong project management and budget skills, and demonstrated experience mentoring and influencing team members. 

• Proficiency in HR technology and data analytics; experience with ADP is a plus. 

• Proven success in implementing innovative HR management practices, ideally within a professional services or agency environment. 

• Strong management acumen, with the ability to anticipate organizational challenges, propose effective solutions, and advocate for employee perspectives. 

• Exceptional multitasking abilities and a proven track record of thriving in fast-paced, team-oriented settings, consistently delivering outstanding results. 

• A positive mindset with strong leadership and coaching skills, capable of leading by example. 

• Skilled in functioning as an internal coach to management and peers, effectively helping them identify and resolve issues. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for team-building and consensus-building. 

• Demonstrated proactive and goal-driven self-starter. 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines. 

Benefits:

This role is a Full-Time, Exempt opportunity that is eligible for Company Benefits, 401K, and PTO. This role is expected to have a standard 40-hour work week.